New Machine

System

Hi There,

After reading in the wings for a month or so, I've decided to take the plunge (npi) and finally join.

I'm looking to replace my espresso machine, and am trying to decide what to get. I'm looking to spend up to $600, and I'm looking at a Nemox Junior.
However, my question to the coffee gods (you guys) is this:

I want a machine that I can make more than two cups in succession easily, without it spitting coffee at me when I remove the group handle (oh pleasant... scalding coffee grounds...) and does decent steam for frothing.

I've come as far as knowing I need something with a non aluminium boiler, but I'm wanting some more advice.

Ideas?

Cheers,
Amy

FreshCoffee2

Amy, the only way to kind of guarantee there wont be any "spit" when you remove the group handle is to go for a machine with a group solenoid valve. This relieves the pressure in the coffee filter at the end of each coffee brewing cycle. If this is what you want then in my opinion it basically leaves you with only 2 suitable models. The Gaggia Classic, and the Rancilio Miss Silvia. The classic has an aluminium boiler, while silvia has a brass boiler, in which case I know which one I would choose. Trouble is, silvia is a little above your budget, while classic is within. You also need a suitable grinder. I watched a new consignment of silvias arriving in my warehouse this morning and delivery is immediate. If I can be of any help please do not hesitate to contact me off line....for contact details check the little icons under my name at the LHS of this post! Regardz, FC.

[deleted]

Hi again, If I want a machine that can make consecutive cups of coffee easily - what are my options? If i don't use a solenoid 3way machine - what else is there? Cheers, Amy

ryan

for your budget amyK i agree the Silvia Brass boiler, spare parts forever, its the only one Moccappan Coffee in melbourne had them on sale for $599.00 last month. I am sure you could still get one at that price if you rang them, its a very good price i also know a place in melbourne where you can get them for $650.00 if you have no luck there. Mailing will be extra if your out of melbourne let me know what you decide cheers ryan

[deleted]

Hi all, Some more questions. If I didn't have a solenoid machine - what would i have to do with another machine to make consecutive cups? And what are the pros cons of the Nemox Junior? Cheers, Amy

FreshCoffee2

Ryan, those who you mentioned do not spend time "servicing" in the true sense of the word, clients, both potential and already exsiting, in these coffee information sites. This is one of the underlying problems with the internet, people seek and are given lots of great information in sites like this, then give their money to someone else, discounting the value of the advice given by the first party. By recommending discount artists off site willy nilly, you are not showing any suppport here and I seem to recall giving you some very good advice a little while ago as well. Amy, the method of operation (for the operator) is the same, just that there is no solenoid valve to relieve the pressure in the coffee filter before it is removed from the group. You just dont go pulling the group handle off really quickly straight after the coffee was brewed....you wait a few seconds first. Otherwise, the Junior is a good little base model machine. As already mentioned, feel free to make contact if you wish OR, telephone the vendor you intend to purchase from and seek their advice ;D Regardz, FC.

Reschsmooth

Amy, I have a Saeco Via Vanezia which does not have the solenoid. When I make milk based drinks, this isn't a problem as, by the time you finish steaming the milk, pouring the milk, yadda yadda, the pressure has been released from the handle. If I am just making espresso, after extraction, I release the group handle a little bit to release the pressure and wait a while. The puck is still quite wet at that stage, however, but you don't get the portafilter sneeze... ;D. Cheers Patrick

ryan

I totally take your point FC but seeing as though her budget is $600 dollars its the only way i can see her getting her hands on a Silvia which really is the best machine for her situation. (IMO) the two suppliers i mentioned do provide good after sales re parts etc. I give advice daily in my company, on the phone, in person and on the net and really its just goodwill. I dont expect any business from it, because people shop around for the best price. I quote daily, they then take my quote and fax it elsewhere. I give up worrying about it now. I like you provide advice, but on the internet it is given with zero expectation of a return, if I get the job great but i really dont expect anything in this day and age, I hope they come to me for quality...but like you they usually return for after service when I lost the profit part of the job. and then i tell them to go to the supplier that gave them the great price. the curse of window shopping quotes, and the reason most people use the net, information and price shopping. But honestly I agree with you, i just try and pass on what i know now, all you can do is pass on your opinion. the link to the silvia is the the website so i hope she uses it. cheers ryan

[deleted]

Hi All. Thanks for the advice, and the email. I've been snooping around in the real shops today, and it didn't take very long, because in Hobart there's not a great deal of variety. I'm now looking at a Saeco Via Vianezia (Sp?), and trying to find the best price. I can buy one of the internet, although it ends up being cheaper to walk into Myer and get one off the shelf. FC you mentioned Caffee Fenice? Cheers, Amy

FreshCoffee2

Very nice machine, but no group solenoid valve. Regardz, FC.

[deleted]

Hi All, I'm a little confused about the Caffe Fenice - I found this online last night, and it is different to what FC said re group solenoid valve. "Nemox "Caffe Fenice" Espresso Machine FREE GROUND SHIPPING! NO TAX! (excl. IL) The small professional, Nemox Caffe Fenice, has been designed to satisfy those who expect perfection and professional standards. With gleaming stainless steel bodywork, a large brass boiler, and a 3-way solenoid valve, you can expect restaurant quality results. The professional solid brass filter-holder retains the heat, guaranteeing an espresso that is always at the ideal temperature. The specially designed professional-style 3-directional steam spout is equipped with a metal turbo-froth device for easy frothing of milk when making a cappuccino. It also dispenses hot water for your other favorite hot drinks. Key Features:

Reschsmooth

Just as an aside: "you can expect restaurant quality results" I don't think I have ever been to a restaurant that knows how to make a good coffee! ;D "Stainless steel armored heating element" Is it going into battle? Sorry for the cynicism - one of those days. P

[deleted]

LOL!! I have many cynical days - I read too much dilbert - it's what my workplace is like. 🙂 And a coffee machine, ready for battle, sounds good to me.

FreshCoffee2

Patrick, a sense of humour is always welcome. There should be more...please! Amy, there is lots of information on the net that is simply wrong. On this occasion, you've just nudged the tip of the iceberg. There is no 3 way solenoid valve in the Cafe Fenice. The ONLY valve/s you will find in that model, as with almost all other domestic boiler espresso machines, is a pressure relief valve in case the boiler pressure rises to an unsafe level. So: "...

[deleted]

So if I was to choose between the three - opinions please. - Saeco Via Vianezia - Nemox Junior - Nemox Caffe Fenice Ideas? And price points? Cheers, Amy (and I want a new machine before the weekend...)

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Trussell

For cost, value and good looks, i have to say the Saeco Via Venezia Saeco Via Venezia - 2.9L tank - SS Boiler - 15bar Pump Notes: appealing design, good availability, and solid construction, pressurized PF? Price: $499 Nemox Caffe Fenice - 2L tank - Brass Boiler - 15bar Pump Notes: slightly higher power brass provides better heat transfer Price: $599 Nemox Caffe Junior - 2L tank - Brass Boiler + PF - 16bar Pump Notes: "lever" switches quite flimsy not too appealing design wise Price: $569 There are some benefits of the other machines over the VV but for the price at wich they come, I think the VV is a better option. Also, due to the wide range of VV sellers you're bound to get a better price, Meaning you can also pick up a semi decent grinder without which none of these machines could produce their best.

FreshCoffee2

I dont know about anyone else, but I'm having fun!

[deleted]

Hi All, After a delightful conversation with FC on the phone I've looking quite seriously at a Caffe Fenice, however yet another question. (And I apologise for my haste to get off the phone, boss came back into the office!!) You are speaking about the pressurised handle - is this something I will encounter with the Fenice? Cheers, Amy And BTW I'm having a ball. I'm turning into a fully fledged coffee geek. My partner now knows more than he ever wanted to about tamping, frothing etc. 🙂

FreshCoffee2

No, the Caffe Fenice has a standard non pressured group handle. cheers, FC.